The Kimberley Process (KP) is a multilateral trade regime aimed towards removing conflict diamonds from the global supply chain. Established in 2003, the KP functions as a commitment that prevents the flow of conflict diamonds (otherwise known as ‘blood’ diamonds) – which are defined as rough diamonds used to finance wars against governments. With 59 participants, the KP purportedly accounts for 99.8% of the global production of rough diamonds and acts as a force for good globally.
However, the KP has limitations. Their strict, narrow definition of what constitutes a diamond as sourced in conflict (only gems with profits used to fund wars against legitimate governments) can turn a blind eye to the blatant human rights abuses, violence, exploitation, and environmental degradation that stems from diamond-rich countries who are already active participants of the KP.
At Brilliant Earth, we offer diamonds that go above and beyond the KP. Our Beyond Conflict Free™ natural diamonds continue to exceed current industry standards: less than 1% of natural diamond suppliers worldwide meet our standards in responsibility and sustainability. Through select diamond sourcing, revolutionary blockchain technology, and Truly Brilliant™ diamonds, we are creating create a more ethical, transparent, and compassionate industry.
How Does the Kimberley Process Work?
The core function of the Kimberley Process’ efforts circle around the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), which oversees and safeguards shipments of rough diamonds and certifies them as ‘conflict free.’ States that also seek to slow the flow of conflict diamonds become certified members of the KP and follow a set of standards and rules. To participate, a state must follow all KPCS terms:
- Satisfy minimum requirements and establish national legislation, institutions, and import/export controls.
- Commit to transparent practices and to the exchange of critical statistical data.
- Trade only with fellow members who also satisfy the fundamentals of the agreement.
- Certify shipments as conflict-free and provide supporting certification.
Who Started the Kimberley Process?
In May of 2000, several diamond-producing South African states met in Kimberley, South Africa to discuss ways to prevent the trade of conflict diamonds. The states aimed to ensure that diamond profits were not financing violent rebel movements and their allies that attempt to undermine legitimate governments.
Later that year, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a landmark resolution in support of an international certification scheme for rough diamonds. Three years later, the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme was developed, officially setting requirements for controlling rough diamond production and trade at an international scale.
Why Is It Called the Kimberley Process?
The KP is named so as the initial discussions that would later form the KPCS document took place in Kimberley, South Africa. As much of major diamond mining is rooted there, Kimberley is colloquially known as Diamond City – not only is it a hub of the diamond trade, it’s the site where initial attempts to improve it began.
Why Is It So Hard to Determine How Successful the Kimberley Process Is?
The largest issue in proving that the Kimberley Process is successful is the fact that diamonds are difficult to trace once they leave mines (hence Brilliant Earth’s efforts in Blockchain technology). For example, when a KPCS diamond is exported from its country of origin to Belgium or Dubai, major rough-diamond trading cities, it is issued a KP Certificate from its country of origin. In Belgium or Dubai, the rough diamond can be mixed with other origins and sold in the same packet. Then once the rough diamond is sold and exported often to India, a new KP Certificate is issued in Belgium or Dubai with the origin now stating Mixed. The original KP Certificate does not continue on the journey with the rough diamond and country of origin is now detached from the rough diamond. Additionally, there are also numerous cases of documentation fraud listed on the KP’s own website, proving that there are holes in the process – and limits to its success.
Kimberley Process Pros & Cons
Pros
- Good intent: the Kimberley Process set new standards and regulations to improve the industry. While their success is limited, it was certainly a step in the right direction.
- Protects legitimate trade: the KP’s parameters require participants to inspect all rough diamonds imported and exported within their borders. While the process is not perfect, it has introduced much stricter control over the diamond trade in general.
- Global participation: 59 participants have committed to adhere to the KP, meaning that much of the world is involved in getting conflict diamonds off the market.
Cons
- A batch, not an individual stone: The Kimberley Process certificate does not apply to an individual stone but to a batch of rough diamonds.
- For rough diamonds, not polished: The KP Certificate does not accompany the diamond from rough all the way to polished. Once a diamond has been cut and polished, the KP Certificate is no longer applicable.
- Limited definition of conflict diamonds: The Kimberley Process only vets diamonds directly involved with rebel movements waging war against recognized government. If a diamond doesn’t finance such militias, but it is still extracted from what many may call a controversial mine, it may still be cut, polished, and traded. The KP’s scope is too narrow to include general human rights infractions or environmental destruction.
- By consensus: The organization is governed by consensus and all decisions must be unanimous among 59 participants, representing 85 countries.
- Loopholes: Reports note weak controls, a lack of enforcement, and lack of funding to ensure the validity of export statistics.
- No 100% guarantee: because the KP isn’t foolproof and its standards are not fully comprehensive, their approved diamonds and countries of origins may not be a truly conscientious choice.
Kimberley Process FAQs
What is the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme?
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) is an international rule book for those overseeing the diamond trade to prevent blood diamonds from entering the jewelry industry.
Is the Kimberley Process good?
Yes and no. There are far fewer conflict diamonds because of it, even if there aren’t fewer conflicts, especially in Angola and Sierra Leone. The financing of armed rebel and militant governments has been majorly curtailed. But the KP’s definition of conflict diamond should be revised or replaced to include the full range of human and environmental abuses that lurk behind the diamond trade.
Who is involved in the Kimberley Process?
To date, 59 participants from countries across the globe are committed to the Kimberley Process.
When was the Kimberley Process established?
Certification began in August of 2003, on the heels of the Clean Diamond Trade Act, signed on July 29.
What is a Kimberley Process certificate?
A document verifying that a shipment of rough diamonds meets Kimberley standards – essentially translating to gems exported from a KP-accepted country. Trade with non-participating countries is prohibited, and those who do are expelled from the KP list.
What does the Kimberley Process attempt to regulate?
While flawed, the Kimberley Process is a set of standards that certify diamonds as conflict-free, attempting to eliminate political violence behind mining, selling, and buying. Estimates suggest that 99.8% of blood diamonds have been removed from the global supply chain because of heavy participation in KP, but this is heavily debated due to smuggling.
How Brilliant Earth is Driving Industry Change with Beyond Conflict Free™ Diamonds
Our Beyond Conflict Free™ natural diamonds continue to exceed current industry standards and the standards of the Kimberley Process: less than 1% of natural diamond suppliers worldwide meet our standards in responsibility and sustainability. Through select diamond sourcing, revolutionary blockchain technology, and Truly Brilliant™ diamonds, we are creating create a more ethical, transparent, and compassionate industry.
Select Diamond Sources
To ensure that our natural diamonds meet high social and environmental standards, we selectively source them from approved mines in Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, South Africa, and Canada. These countries are socially and economically stable and rated as low or moderate risk. We also offer lab grown diamonds.
Revolutionary Blockchain Technology
We believe that blockchain technology is the future of supply chain traceability. By utilizing this cutting-edge technology, we can provide our customers with a digital asset that contains detailed information about the origin and journey of each diamond. From the mining operator to the ultimate end consumer, our blockchain-enabled diamonds offer complete transparency and peace of mind.
Truly Brilliant™ Diamonds
We take pride in sustainable production practices used by our Truly Brilliant™ natural and lab diamond suppliers. These practices include the use of renewable energy and green building construction, which not only reduce our environmental impact but also promote responsible sourcing of diamonds.
